Artificial eyelash strips having magnetic elements

ABSTRACT

An artificial eyelash extension system is described. It includes a plurality of eyelash filaments, each having a base and a tip. A support strip is defined at the bases of the eyelash filaments. The eyelash system also includes at least one magnetic element defined within the support strip.

The instant application claims priority as a non-provisional of U.S. provisional application 63/245,750, filed on Sep. 17, 2021, presently pending. The contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of Invention

The field of the invention is an eyelash extension system and method for applying the same, and more particularly but not exclusively, artificial lashes having magnetized components.

Background

Artificial eyelash extension systems are popular products that are used to improve the look of a user's lash line through the addition of lash length and/or volume. Such artificial eyelash extension systems typically comprise a lash line support strip with eyelash filaments extending from there. The eyelash filaments can be made from mink, synthetic materials, horsehair, and in some instances, human hair. Artificial eyelashes are generally applied with adhesive.

An alternative to adhesive is an artificial eyelash extension system that employs magnetism. In some instances, the end-user applies an eyeliner or other makeup with metallic powder. Such powder may or may not have magnetic properties, and magnets attached to the eyelash extension system will be attracted to such metal-containing makeup. In other instances, a pair of eyelash systems with magnets attached to their support strips are provided. The end-user applies the eyelash extension systems by sandwiching his/her natural eyelashes between the two extension systems, where the magnets hold the two extension systems together. In these prior art approaches, the magnetic components are found on top of the support strips of the artificial eyelash extension systems. However, because such magnets are glued to or otherwise placed on the exterior surface of the support strip, the magnets may easily fall off the support strip. And because of the magnets' location on top of the support strip, they also cause the support strip to become bulky. This also makes it undesirable to place more than just a few magnets along the support strip because doing so would increase the bulk. This, in turn, increases the size of each magnet so that sufficient magnetic strength can be created to hold the eyelash systems in place.

A need exists in the art for eyelash extension systems that eliminate the difficulties of prior art systems. A need also exists for a means that incorporates magnetic elements within an artificial eyelash support strip without individually gluing the magnets to the exterior of the eyelash support strip.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

An object of the invention is to create eyelash extension systems that overcome many of the drawbacks in prior art. A feature of the invention is that the eyelash extension systems have integrated magnetic components to lessen the bulk present in the prior art systems. An advantage of the invention is that the eyelash extension system can be manufactured without the time-consuming step of adhering magnetic elements to the exterior of an eyelash support strip. An additional advantage of the invention is that the magnetic elements are securely embedded in the eyelash support strip.

A further object of the invention is to provide a support strip of artificial eyelash extension systems with magnetic elements that are fast to manufacture. A feature of the invention is that magnetic elements are added to the support strip during the manufacturing of the artificial eyelash extension systems. An advantage of the invention is that the manufacturing of the artificial eyelash extension systems does not add steps at the end of the manufacturing process.

Another object of the invention is to create an artificial eyelash extension system where the magnetic elements will not fall off. A feature of the invention is the full or partial integration of magnetic elements into the support strip. An advantage of the invention is that the magnetic elements are not sitting on the exterior of the support strip of the artificial eyelash extension system and are kept in place within the interior of the eyelash support strip in one embodiment.

Another object of the invention is to create artificial eyelash extension systems with magnetic features, which are nonetheless flexible; a feature of the invention is that the magnetic elements are as small as possible.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an artificial eyelash extension system that is more lightweight than the prior art systems by using smaller magnetic elements.

Yet another advantage of the invention is that the corresponding quantity of eyeliner containing metallic powder can be lessened because the magnetic properties of the support strip are more evenly distributed along the entire length of the support strip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention, together with the above and other objects and advantages, will be best understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of an eyelash extension system in accordance with the features of the invention;

FIG. 1B depicts a prior art eyelash extension system;

FIG. 2A, along with FIGS. 2A1-2A3 depict the details of one layer of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B depicts a multi-layer construct, per an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a schematic of a side view of one embodiment of the eyelash system;

FIG. 4 depicts a schematic of one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 depicts a schematic of a side view of other embodiments of the eyelash system; and

FIG. 6 shows a sample embodiment of an artificial eyelash extension system made pursuant to a manufacturing process described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In various embodiments, the invention provides a ready-to-apply eyelash extension system. The eyelash extension system comprises eyelash filaments extending from an eyelash support strip wherein magnetic elements are used for attachment to the natural eyelashes of a user. The eyelash extension system may be referred to as a lash extension system or an artificial eyelash extension system.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural said elements or steps unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.

The phrases “lash,” “artificial eyelash,” and “eyelash,” as used herein, are interchangeable and refer to an apparatus that is not part of the wearer's body unless specifically indicated otherwise (e.g., phrases such as “natural eyelash” or “user's eyelash” refer to a part of the wearer's body).

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of one embodiment 10 of the invented artificial extension system. The lash extension system may include a plurality of artificial eyelash filaments 14, a support strip 12, and at least one magnetic element. The lash extension system comprises a support strip 12. The support strip 12 may be attached to the bases of the eyelash filaments 14. The support strip 12 has a proximal edge 12 a from which eyelash filaments 14 extend and a distal edge 12 b opposite of the proximal edge 12 a. The width of the support strip 12 extends between the proximal edge 12 a and the distal edge 12 b of the support strip 12. While in the figures, the support strip 12 is shown as a strip of material, this is done primarily for clarity, and the support strip 12 is implemented as a thin band or a reinforced thread, in some embodiments, some of which are described herein.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the eyelash extension system 10 features eyelash filaments 14 extending between a base 16 and a tip 18. The bases 16 of the eyelash filaments 14 are embedded within and/or adhered to the support strip 12, extending from the proximal edge 12 a. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, more than one layer of eyelash filaments are superimposed on one another to form the embodiment 10. Each layer is substantially oriented in a different direction, creating a system where the eyelash filaments 14 crisscross one another.

In another embodiment (not shown), the eyelash filaments 14 are substantially parallel and may comprise only a single layer.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the magnetic elements (depicted in subsequent figures) are embedded within the support strip 12.

In prior art approaches, as exemplified in FIG. 1B, the magnetic elements 19 would be glued or otherwise adhered to the exterior of the support strip 12. This would require the addition of the magnetic elements 19 to the exterior of the embodiment 10 once it is manufactured. In one embodiment of the invented system, the magnetic elements 19 are embedded into the support strip 12.

Layer Details

The embodiment 10 of FIG. 1A included two layers of the eyelash filaments 14. The details of the first layer 20 are shown in FIG. 2A. The first layer 20 comprises individual eyelash filaments 14.

The layer also includes a strip of double-sided tape 22. The double-sided is overlaid over the eyelash filaments 14, when forming the first layer 20.

In the embodiment of the first layer 20 shown in FIG. 2A, the eyelash filaments 14 are substantially parallel with each other and are at an angle α with respect to the strip of the double-sided tape 22. In the depicted embodiment of the first layer 20, the angle a is between 95 and 120 degrees, meaning the angle is obtuse, but the angle a is much closer to the 90-degree right angle than it is to the 180-degree straight line.

The first layer 20 includes a first thread 24 and optionally a second thread 26. The second thread 26 may also be placed after a second layer of eyelash filaments 34 is applied to the first layer 20, as will be shown later. The threads are mounted on the eyelash filaments 14 and glued thereon. Disposed between the first thread 24 and the second thread 26 are the magnetic elements 29. In the depicted embodiment, the magnetic elements 29 comprise blocks having dimensions of between 0.25 mm to 1.5 mm. In one embodiment, the magnetic elements 29 comprise a set of magnetic cuboids having approximate dimensions of 1 mm width, 1 mm length, and 0.4 mm in height. In this context, approximate dimensions refer to ones that can be achieved using standard manufacturing procedures, where margins of ten percent are acceptable.

In the embodiment of the first layer 20 shown in FIG. 2A, there are five magnetic elements 29 visible; however, larger quantities of the magnetic elements are used. In one embodiment, as many as twelve small magnets are used. A significant quantity of small magnets imparts the embodiment with several benefits, including flexibility and attaching as closely as possible to the wearer's eyelid. Versions of the eyelash extension systems which have larger magnets (but fewer of them) do not attach as tightly to the eyelid of the wearer and so may be less comfortable to wear. A benefit of the current invention is that it sticks to the wearer with minimum space, or no space, between the eyelash extension system and the user's eyelid. Another benefit of using a large quantity of small magnets is that the artificial eyelash support strip can be trimmed at an arbitrary location. If the support strip of the artificial eyelash extension system is longer than desired, it is necessary to trim off the edges of the support strip. However, to ensure that the artificial eyelash extension systems stay adhered to the wearer, there should be a magnet close to or at each end of the support strip. If the artificial eyelash support strip included only five magnets, the length would be only partially adjustable. In one embodiment, each artificial eyelash support strip has ten to twelve magnets, so it increases the number of viable trimming positions, as the user can only trim the support strip creating the ends which have magnets so the extension system would retain its adhesive properties.

Multiple placements of the magnets are possible. For example, each magnetic element is coupled to space on the filaments between the first thread 24 and the second thread 26. In that space, each magnet is glued to the eyelash filaments 14. As another example, as shown in FIG. 2A1, magnets may also be placed in locations between the first thread 24 and the second thread 26 where there are no eyelash filaments 14 so that the magnets are placed in a horizontal direction with respect to the eyelash filaments 14, as opposed to being adhered on the filaments in a vertical orientation, so as to decrease the overall thickness of the extension system. Further, the magnets may be placed across either or both the first thread 24 and the second thread 26 so that the magnets protrude out of either or both threads 24, 26 and/or do not fill the space between the threads, as shown in FIGS. 2A2 and 2A3.

A cut line 28 at a point on the eyelash filaments 14 between the second thread 26 and the strip of the double-sided tape 22 is also shown in FIG. 2A. However, the cut line 28 may also be along the second thread 26 or very close thereto, or even be somewhere between the first thread 24 and the second thread 26 depending on the placements of the magnetic elements 29. In one embodiment, a cut along the cut line 28 is made after combining the layers. As will be shown below, the end of the eyelash filaments 14 formed when the cut line 28 becomes the boundary of the support strip 12.

In one embodiment, the eyelash filaments 14 are placed on a work surface in the arrangement shown in FIG. 2A. Subsequently, the strip of double-sided tape 22 is placed on the eyelash filaments 14. The strip of the double-sided tape 22 ensures that the eyelash filaments 14 will not move. Subsequently, the first thread 24 and the second thread 26 are placed on the eyelash filaments 14. In some embodiments, a gap exists between the threads, including in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A. Magnetic elements 29 are then placed at regular intervals in the space between the threads. Optionally, an adhesive or glue may be applied to the first thread 24 and the second thread 26 as well as the space between the threads, if any. The strip of the double-sided tape 22 is used to limit spread of the glue during assembly, in some embodiments.

In this embodiment, the first thread 24 and the second thread 26 form raised limiting lines for the glue added to the eyelash filaments 14. In one embodiment, especially the first thread 24 forms a boundary for the glue to ensure that the glue stays near the bases 16 of the eyelash filaments 14.

A benefit of the addition of one or more threads is to ensure that the support strip is not excessively flexible. If the glue were applied directly to the filaments, the filaments could bend and may curl excessively upon drying. As such, the addition of the first thread 24, either alone or in conjunction with the second thread 26 provides for consistent placement of the liquid glue. It provides structural integrity to the strip of the artificial eyelashes.

Following the placement of the threads and the glue, the magnetic elements are added. In one embodiment, the magnetic elements comprise rare-earth magnets and are placed in the space between the threads. Additional glue can then be applied in the area between the thread and the strip of the double-sided tape.

In another embodiment (not shown), the magnetic elements are embedded into or otherwise added to a layer of lace, such as a segment of fine lace fabric, added on top of the eyelash filaments or where the eyelash filaments are tied or otherwise adhered to the layer of lace.

A second layer of the eyelash filaments is then applied. In one embodiment, the second layer filaments are oriented so as to cross the first layer. The two layers are shown in FIG. 2B.

Turning to FIG. 2B, the two-layer construct 30 is shown therein. The second layer filaments 34 and the second layer of double-sided tape 32 are visible in the view of FIG. 2B. While the first layer in FIG. 2A was oriented to be at an angle a with respect to the double-sided tape strip, the second layer in FIG. 2B is oriented to be a different angle b with respect to the strip of double-sided tape 32. While angle a was greater than 90 degrees and therefore obtuse, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, the angle b is less than 90 degrees and is therefore acute.

A cut line 38 is defined in the second layer along the lengths of the eyelash filaments 34 in a similar manner as the cut line 28 of FIG. 2A and in the space between the magnetic elements of the first layer and the strip of the double-sided tape 32.

The second layer filaments 34 are added over the first layer of eyelash filaments 14 using any number of techniques, including folding them over, machine and manual distribution, and others.

After the addition of the second layer and the formation of the two-layer construct 30, a quantity of glue is added in one embodiment. The glue may be mixed with and contain metallic powder; the powder may have inherent magnetic properties, which provide additional magnetic attraction force to the support strip. In other embodiments, the glue is not added if sufficient glue was already applied to the first layer 20.

Once the glue in the construct 30 dries, a cut is made along the cut line 38, which will correspond to the cut line 28 of the first layer.

Arrows c in FIG. 2B depict the view of the side angle schematic representation of the two-layer construct 30 shown in FIG. 3 . Visible in the side view of FIG. 3 is the double-sided tape 32, the area of glue application 40, the first layer 42 of the eyelash filaments, the second layer 44 of the eyelash filaments, the first thread 24, the second thread 26, and a magnetic element 29. Also shown is the cut line 38.

A top view of an eyelash extension system is shown in FIG. 4 . The view shows the first layer of eyelash filaments 14 and the second layer of the eyelash filaments 34 as being sparse, which is helpful for the clarity of the drawings. However, in other embodiments, the density of the eyelash filaments is much greater. The support strip 12 comprises an area of glue application 40 and the magnetic elements 29.

While in FIG. 3 , the area of glue application 40 is shown as being defined on top of the second layer 44, in other embodiments, the area of glue application 40 is defined directly on the magnetic elements 29 before the second layer 44 is added. Likewise, magnetic elements 29 may be added before the first and second layers of filaments are combined or after they are combined.

Other options for the order of adding various elements of the present invention are shown in FIG. 5 . In Option 1, both the first thread and the second thread, along with the magnetic elements 29, are placed after the first layer of filaments is laid. In Option 2, the two threads 24, 26, along with the magnetic elements 29, are first laid and the first layer of filaments is laid, on top of which the second layer of filaments is laid. In Option 3, the sequence is: (1) the first thread 24, (2) the first layer of filaments, (3) the magnetic elements 29, (4) the second layer of filaments, and (5) the second thread 26. In this matter, various options are possible, including options not shown in FIG. 5 .

Depending on the number of eyelash filaments, in some embodiments only one thread is used. The embodiments shown in FIG. 5 may also be implemented using a single thread. In those embodiments, a location 100 is designated for the thread, and only one thread at that location is used in such single-thread embodiments. This first thread will prevent the glue from spreading away from the double-sided tape and towards the tips of the eyelash filaments of each layer.

In another embodiment, the applied glue has a gel-like consistency and does not spread without the application of external pressure. Such a gel-like glue will remain in place without the need for multiple threads to limit spreading. In one embodiment, a thickener is added to conventional glue. In another embodiment, the glue includes a variety of additives, including stabilizers, plasticizers, and pigments. In another embodiment, the glue includes reinforcement fibers, which allow a thin line of the glue to act as a support strip.

Although exemplary implementations of the invention have been depicted and described in detail herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that various modifications, additions, substitutions, and the like can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These are therefore considered to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

In the embodiments shown above, the magnetic elements comprise magnets having a rectangular or square profile, with the longest side not exceeding 1.5 mm in length, in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the magnetic elements comprise magnets having a substantially square profile, with each side being approximately 1 mm. In another embodiment, the magnetic elements are provided by a magnetized iron powder, such as spherical ferromagnetic iron powder. In one embodiment, the powder comprises Neodymium-iron-boron alloy (NdFeB), but any biocompatible powders or chips which can be magnetized or chips are used. In another embodiment, the magnetic elements may consist only of magnetic powders mixed with and contained in the glue that forms the support strip of the eyelash extension system, enabling a thinner overall profile.

While in the embodiments shown above, the magnetic elements are shown as placed in the space between the two threads, the placement of the magnetic elements need not be performed with a high degree of precision. As such, some magnetic elements may overlap with one or more threads. In one embodiment, all of the magnetic elements are placed on top of one of the threads. This is because the magnetic elements are subsequently covered by the second layer of eyelash filaments, and so the alignment need not be completely precise.

Use of Artificial Eyelashes with Magnetic Elements

During use, the end-user must first apply an appropriate base, such as an eyeliner to allow the magnetic elements to function. In one embodiment, the packaging for the magnetized artificial eyelash extension system includes a quantity of eyeliner with embedded metallic powder in quantities sufficient to allow the magnetic elements to be attracted to the wearer's body, such as the skin.

In one embodiment, the base does not include a dye and is instead the same color as the end user's skin. In most instances, the magnetic powder is in the form of microspheres, and so the powder will apply only a subtle color to the base.

After the base has dried on the user's body, the user can apply the support strip of the eyelash extension system to the desired location, making contact between the user's body and the support strip. A benefit of the magnetic features of the eyelash support strip is that the eyelash extension system may be repositioned on the wearer's body after initial placement.

The figures show the eyelash extension system having a length that approximates the length of a user's eyelid. This is exemplary and not meant to be limiting. In an embodiment, a user will apply only one lash extension system that removably underlies all or substantially all of a user's natural lashes. In such an embodiment, a user needs only apply one eyelash extension system to their natural lashes. In alternative embodiments, the length of the support strips will be shorter and will require a user to apply more than one lash extension system in order to removably underlie all or substantially all their lashes. In yet another embodiment, a user will cut a long support strip of lash extension systems into a plurality of lash extension systems having desired lengths, forming a cluster of lash extension systems. Other embodiments form a wisp or a flare of eyelash extension systems.

A benefit of the artificial eyelash extension systems with magnetic elements is that the end-user does not need to apply additional adhesive.

Improving Magnetic Performance

In order to increase the magnetic force of the completed product, the eyelash extension system may be made by following the steps below:

First, the initial layer of filaments is placed on the double-sided tape.

Second, the second layer, oriented in the opposite direction of the initial layer, is placed on top of the first layer.

Third, the first thread may be placed on the second layer to prevent the glue from going outside of the desired area when the glue is applied on top of the second layer.

Fourth, the glue is applied on top of the second layer at a location between the first thread and the double-sided tape.

Fifth, when the glue dries, a cut is made in the section between the first thread and the double-sided tape.

Sixth, the second thread may be placed at regular intervals from the band so that the magnets can be placed at certain locations. The magnets may be placed between the band and the second thread. Then, the glue may be applied between the band and the second thread.

In the resulting construct, the magnets would directly contact the eyelid so the magnetic force may be stronger.

The resulting construct is shown in FIG. 6 , which shows the area of glue application 40, the magnetic elements 29, support strip 12, and thread 26.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the invention, they are by no means limiting but are instead exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure. 

The embodiment of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed is defined as follows:
 1. An artificial eyelash extension system comprising: a plurality of eyelash filaments, each having a base and a tip; a support strip defined at the bases of the eyelash filaments; and at least one magnetic element defined within the support strip.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said plurality of eyelash filaments comprises a first layer of eyelash filaments and a second layer of eyelash filaments.
 3. The system of claim 2 further comprising a first thread applied to the first layer of eyelash filaments and a second thread applied to the first layer of eyelash filaments.
 4. The system of claim 2 wherein a first layer of eyelash filaments is arranged at a first angle with respect to the support strip while the second layer of eyelash filaments is arranged at a second angle with respect to the support strip.
 5. The system of claim 4 wherein the first angle is different than the second angle.
 6. The system of claim 4 wherein the first angle is obtuse and the second angle is acute.
 7. The system of claim 3 wherein the magnetic elements comprise individual magnets disposed between the first thread and the second thread.
 8. The system of claim 7 wherein a glue is applied to the individual magnets.
 9. The system of claim 8 wherein said glue comprises a gel.
 10. The system of claim 3 further comprising an additional layer of glue.
 11. The system of claim 3 wherein the at least one magnetic element is placed on top of either the first thread or the second thread.
 12. The system of claim 3 wherein the at least one magnetic element is placed between the first thread and the second thread.
 13. The system of claim 12 wherein the at least one magnetic element is placed where there are no eyelash filaments.
 14. The system of claim 1 wherein the system is adapted to attach to a user's skin without application of additional glue to natural eyelashes.
 15. The system of claim 1 wherein the eyelash extension system is a wisp, cluster, flare, or individual eyelash extension system.
 16. The system of claim 1 wherein said at least one magnetic element comprises a set of magnetic cuboids.
 17. The system of claim 16 wherein said set of magnetic cuboids comprises at least five magnetic cuboids.
 18. The system of claim 17 wherein said magnetic cuboids have a length of approximately 1 mm, a width of approximately 1 mm and a height of 0.4 mm.
 19. The system of claim 1 wherein said support strip comprises a single thread and wherein a strip of double-sided tape is used to limit spread of glue during assembly.
 20. The system of claim 19 wherein a cut line is made at a point on the eyelash filaments between single thread and the strip of the double-sided tape. 